John Selig Outspoken

Daryl Howard’s life-long love of magic began when he was 8 years old and his dad took him to the State Fair of Texas where he saw a magician perform. He has performed as a part-time professional close-up magician since he was a teacher. Daryl has had the honor to study under and perform with some of the top professionals in the field. Daryl Howard also has over thirty years experience in the electrical industry. He is a licensed master electrician. He runs his own business. He is a senior instructor for the IEC Dallas trade school for apprentice electricians where he teaches the master electrician’s prep course. He is also a part-time professional photographer and has been a licensed private pilot since the age of seventeen.  

Lesléa Newman famed author and poet best known for writing the famous children's book, "Heather Has Two Mommies," which religious fundamentalists tried desperately for years to get removed from librairies. Lesléa has published over 60 books and speaks regularly at colleges and universities all over the country. Lesléa discusses her book of 68 pose, "October Morning: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard," which was published in 2012. Lesléa Newman was the keynote speaker at the University of Wyoming less than a week after Matthew Shepard died. This highly moving book of poems vividly bring back the brutal murder Matthew Shepard 25 years ago.

Shari Johnson in part two of a two-part is an Evangelical Christian mother whose life turned upside down when her 37 year old daughter, Cholene, called her and told her she was gay in July 2002. Shari has just published a book called, "Above All Things: The Journey of an Evangelical Christian Mother and Her Gay Daughter." In part two of our conversation Shari continues her discussion of reconciling her daughter being a lesbian with her deeply held religious beliefs, attending her daughter's wedding and starting the PFLAG chapter in Odessa, TX. This podcast should be shared widely with LGBT people who come from Evangelical Christian families and with Evangelical Christian parents who LGBT children.

Shari Johnson in part one of a two-part is an Evangelical Christian mother whose life turned upside down when her 37 year old daughter, Cholene, called her and told her she was gay in July 2002. Shari has just published a book called, "Above All Things: The Journey of an Evangelical Christian Mother and Her Gay Daughter." Shari chronicles her journey in coming to terms with her daughter being a lesbian and reconciling that with her deeply held religious beliefs. In December 2010 Shari founded and became president of a chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and gays) in Odessa, Texas. In this episode Shari share receiving the shocking news from Cholene and how she dealt with it, coming to terms with what it meant, learning how to deal with family members, friends and members of her faith, writing her book which took six years and meeting Cholene's partner. This podcast should be shared widely with LGBT people who come from Evangelical Christian families and with Evangelical Christian parents who LGBT children.

Dawn Meifert in part two of a two-part conversation continues her discussion on the Republican War on Women.

Dawn Meifert in part one of a two-part conversation discusses her marketing firm, Dawn Meifert Marketing Group, the protest she organized against Sarah Palin who visited Dallas during the 2008 campaign and begins a discussion on the Republican War on Women.

Two essays that will go into The Book are featured. The first deals with my recollection of President John Kennedy.. He was the hero of many in my parent's generation and the first president I remember.  I saw JFK when he campaigned for office and his assassination still is vividly in my memory. The second shares the impact on me of President Barack Obama's recent announced support for same-sex marriage.

Farnaz Wallace, part two of a two-part conversation. Farnaz Wallace is a consultant and speaker who draws on her years as former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Church's Chicken to discuss the New World Market place and three major macro trends: the shifting role of women at home and at work, the new values and ideological power of youth culture and the growth and influence of multicultural consumers and societies. This has implications not only for corporations in understanding their customers but also for organizations in both the LGBT and mainstream in attracting volunteers and serving the community. This episode focuses on her new book "The New World Market Place" and the macro trends on youth and multiculturalism. Farnaz also talks about returning to Iran for a visit in 2000 for the first time in over twenty years and also what the Iranian people are really like.

Farnaz Wallace, part one of a two-part conversation. Farnaz Wallace is a consultant and speaker who draws on her years as former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Church's Chicken to discuss the New World Market place and three major macro trends: the shifting role of women at home and at work, the new values and ideological power of youth culture and the growth and influence of multicultural consumers and societies. This has implications not only for corporations in understanding their customers but also for organizations in both the LGBT and mainstream in attracting volunteers and serving the community. This episode focuses on her new book "The New World Market Place" and the macro trend on women. She discusses ithe importance of focusing on customers and also her immigrating to The United States from Iran when she was fifteen.

The recent furor over Rush Limbaugh's calling Sandra Fluke a slut and a prostitute brings back memories of my days with StopDrLaura.com in 2000 and 2001 when we combined Internet activism with protests in 34 cities. We got over 170 advertiser to drop her show in the U.S. and Canada having flooded companies phones, faxes and emails that advertised on her TV show. I discuss the controversies and responses around Rush Limbaugh and Laura Schlessinger and how advertising agencies failed to protect their clients by warning them against running ads on controversial programs. I also explain the science behind purchasing radio and TV Advertising.

I share the breakup of my thirteen-year marriage to Linda, the coming to terms with my depression and my coming out of the closet. This was an emotionally difficult period of my life but one where I grew stronger by facing my demons. I became a better parent to my son Nathaniel who remained with me after the divorce. Besides those interested in my life this will prove useful for others who are in or have been in mixed-orientatiion (or as I call them, heterosexless marriages) as well as any person dealing with their own coming out issues. Resources for both gay and straight spouses, their children and people coming out of the closet are also mentioned at the end of the podcast.

Newsweek called David Mixner "the most powerful gay man in America." David Mixner has been a political and human rights activist for over 51 years and along the way had over 300 friends dies from AIDS and he personally delivered over 90 eulogies over a 2-year period. David’s respite in Turkey Hollow, ten miles from his nearest neighbor, gave him an opportunity to heal, commune with nature and befriend all sorts of wildlife. This gem of a book is a collection of essays about his life as well as delightful experiences he enjoyed while living in Turkey Hollow. David Mixner has been friends with President Bill Clinton since their college days and David was key in getting the LGBT Community's support to back President Clinton during his 1992 campaign.

This is an essay for my upcoming book entitled Today Was the Day from Hell. On January 12th 2012 a newspaper article in Canada's Globe and Mail Newspaper indicating that same-sex marriages in Canada, like Rodolfo's and mine where the couple lived in a country or state that wouldn't perform or recognized same-sex marriages would be invalidated in Canada and treated as if the never occurred. I was in a state of panic all day until I received a joint press release from several LGBT and mainstream organizations including Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and Freedom to Marry assuring same-sex couples married in Canada that our marriages were not in jeopardy and not likely to be. I decided to send an email to family, friends, activists, executive directors of LGBT organizations, elected officials and media friends (over 250 people). and I posted it on my Facebook page for more than 2,000 friends to read The purpose of the letter was to share my feelings of frustration and panic. As many of the people receiving the email were straight I wanted them to understand the challenges that gay people face over issues that straight people take for granted. I decided to turn the email into an essay for my upcoming book.

John Selig is writing a book of and will be reading the essays on the podcast before compiling them into and eBook and printed book. This episode features the Introduction to the book and a discussion of changes in technology called "The Growth of Technology Has Exploded Since I was a Kid. Future essays will focus on his work as a gay activist, writer, photographer and podcaster as well as his coming out after 13 year of marriage, raising his son, marrying his husband Rodolfo Arredondo, growing up as a baby boomer in New York in the 1950s and 1960s, his extended family and his observations about the world around him. 

Glen Maxey, part two of a three-part conversation. Glen Maxey is a legendary AIDS & LGBT Activist who worked as an aide to a Texas State Senator in Austin, then started the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby in Texas and was the first openly gay legislator to serve in the Texas State Legislature. He served for six terms. Glen just worked with a reporter from the Huffington Post on a story outing Governor Rick Perry's sexual encounters with men. According to Glen Maxey The Huffington Post was all set to run the story when its parent company AOL killed it out of fear of a lawsuit by Perry. Glen Maxey decided to publish a book on the investigation of Rick Perry. This episode focuses on Glen's assisting Huffington Post journalist Jason Cherkis uncover the story of Governor Rick Perry's same-sex trysts and eventually publishing the story himself.. 

Episode 76 - Glen Maxey, part two of a three-part conversation. Glen Maxey is a legendary AIDS & LGBT Activist who worked as an aide to a Texas State Senator in Austin, then started the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby in Texas and was the first openly gay legislator to serve in the Texas State Legislature. He served for six terms. Glen just worked with a reporter from the Huffington Post on a story outing Governor Rick Perry's sexual encounters with men. According to Glen Maxey The Huffington Post was all set to run the story when its parent company AOL killed it out of fear of a lawsuit by Perry. Glen Maxey decided to publish a book on the investigation of Rick Perry. This episode focuses on Glen's friendship with Governor Ann Richards, his election as the first openly gay legislator in the Texas State Legislature and a run in that he had with George W. Bush when he was still Texas Governor. 

Glen Maxey, part one of a three-part conversation. Glen Maxey is a legendary AIDS & LGBT Activist who worked as an aide to a Texas State Senator in Austin, then started the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby in Texas and was the first openly gay legislator to serve in the Texas State Legislature. He served for six terms. Glen just worked with a reporter from the Huffington Post on a story outing Governor Rick Perry's sexual encounters with men. According to Glen Maxey The Huffington Post was all set to run the story when its parent company AOL killed it out of fear of a lawsuit by Perry. Glen Maxey decided to publish a book on the investigation of Rick Perry. This episode focuses on Glen's working as an aid for State Senator Oscar Mauzy, Glen's success at derailing dangerous AIDS patient quarantine legislation and founding and serving as the first Executive Director of the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby in Austin Texas. Get to see how legislation is passed and blocked told by an insider. 

 Wynn Wagner, the second half of a two-part conversation with Archbishop Wynn Wagner, who is the retired Archbishop of the Old Catholic Church and a celebrated author of amongst other books, a 4-Part homoerotic trilogy about gay vampires. Wynn discusses his writing and then we talk about Apple and the contributions made by Steve Jobs. Wynn then shares 9 voice mail answering messages. 

Wynn Wagner, the first half of a two-part conversation interview with Archbishop Wynn Wagner, who is the retired Archbishop of the Old Catholic Church and a celebrated author of amongst other books, a 4-Part homoerotic trilogy about gay vampires. Yes you heard that right and for those of you who know Wynn a 4-part trilogy makes perfect sense.

Patricia Nell Warren, bestselling author discuses her new book, My West: Personal Writings On The American West - Past, Present & Future." Discusses growing up on the Grant-Kohrs ranch near Deer Lodge, MT (now a National Historic Site run by the National Park Service), the art of storytelling and putting together this collection of 47 commentaries written over five decades. Be sure to listen to Episode 71 (Part 1) before listening to this episode.

Patricia Nell Warren, bestselling author discuses her new book , My West: Personal Writings On The American West - Past, Present & Future." Discusses growing up on the Grant-Kohrs ranch near Deer Lodge, MT (now a National Historic Site run by the National Park Service), the art of storytelling and putting together this collection of 47 commentaries written over five decades.

Nikolai Alexseev is a lawyer, journalist and gay activist and both the leader and face of the fight for LGBT rights in Russia. Nikolai discusses his fight for gay rights in Russia at great personal risk and often resulting in him and others being arrested.

Mike Rogers has outed closeted gay politicians who have voted for anti-LGBT legislation to protect their closet and power. Mike is a blogger, fundraiser, and new media expert and consultant and a Senior Consultant at the New Organizing Institute. The movie "Outrage" that was released in 2009 was based largely on his work outing harmful closeted gay politicians.

Robyn Ochs discusses the 2nd edition of her groundbreaking book "Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World" which she co-edited with Sarah E. Rowley. Ochs is the second person to teach courses on bisexual identity issues at the university level and is an accomplished lecturer having spoken at over 400 colleges and universities and conferences around the world. Robyn provides an in-depth understanding of bisexuality. Robyn shares her experience as an LGBT activist, her wedding to her wife Peg Preble and meeting President and Mrs. Obama at the White House.

Robyn Ochs discusses the 2nd edition of her groundbreaking book "Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World" which she co-edited with Sarah E. Rowley. Ochs is the second person to teach courses on LGBT issues at the university level and is an accomplished lecturer having spoken at over 400 colleges and universities and conferences around the world. Robyn provides an in-depth understanding of bisexuality.

Craig Seymour, journalism professor, has had a successful career as a music critic for a prestigious list of newspapers and magazines. While completing his graduate studies, Craig did his PhD dissertation on males strippers in the gay clubs in Washington, D.C. and he became a stripper himself. Craig discusses his book, All I Could Bare: My Life in the Strip Clubs of Washington, D.C., A Memoir." He also discusses his life in academia and also his writing about famous singers including Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.

Journalist Todd Camp was at the Rainbow Lounge in Ft. Wort, TX when it was raided by the TABC and Ft. Worth Police on June 28, 2009 (40 years to the day after the famed Stone Wall revolt). Todd is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Q Cinema, the Ft. Worth Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Todd shares the aftermath the chilling raid on the Rainbow Lounge and discusses QCinema and the role of film in the GLBT Community.

Journalist Todd Camp was at the Rainbow Lounge in Ft. Wort, TX when it was raided by the TABC and Ft. Worth Police on June 28, 2009 (40 years to the day after the famed Stone Wall revolt) . Todd is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Q Cinema, the Ft. Worth Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Todd shares his account of the chilling raid on the Rainbow Lounge.

Linda Goldman shares her expertise on counseling youth and adults on grief and Loss as well as counseling LGBT youth. Linda also discusses her recent book "Coming Out, Coming In: Nurturing the Well-Being and Inclusion of Gay Youth in Mainstream Society."

Andy Thayer is the consummate street activist. He was arrested on May 16th, 2009 in Russia for participating in Moscow's gay pride event. Andy is also co-founder of Day of Decision which has lead protests against the California Supreme Court's decision on Proposition 8. My commentary "40 Years Ago This Week"

Andy Thayer is the consummate street activist. He has lead numerous protests in Chicago and elsewhere and was arrested on May 16th, 2009 in Russia for participating in Moscow's gay pride event. Andy is also co-founder of Day of Decision which has lead protests against the California Supreme Court's decision on Proposition 8.

The Trevor Project, which is a non-profit organization established to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, and to aid in suicide prevention among that group.

Jose Villarrubia has colored some of the most prestigious comic books in the industry and is an art professor at the renown Maryland Institute of Art. He has collaborated with famed writer Alan Moore on several book projects. Jose discuses the comic book industry, how they are produced, different styles around the world and the LGBT audience for comic books.

Dr. Gus Krucke's knowledge of medicine and commitment to his patients is awe-inspiring. As importantly, he is one of the most decent, caring and compassionate human beings that I know. Gus touches the lives and hearts of the patients he treats in ways that are both profound and rare. Dr. Krucke discusses the practice of medicine and the treatment of patients dealing with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Krucke also reads a letter that he had written to a patient after the patient died that he uses to teach medical students about end of life issues and patient care.

During this episode Earth Thunder shares the meaning of intelligence, a more in depth understanding of shamanic work, what happened to Native Americans when Europeans took over the United States. Earth Thunder also explains my birth song, shares her unique interpretation of the world around us. Extra music is provided for this series by Douglas Blue Feather an award winning songwriter, recording artist and performer of contemporary Native American Flute Music.

Earth Thunder grew up in the wilds of Idaho until she was ten years old. She lived with her grandparents and an extended family of 40 migrating from 8,500 ft. in the mountains during the summer to living in caves in the winter. During this episode Earth Thunder discusses her teen years, her education, her work in the civil rights movement, what life on the reservation is like for many Native Americans and the work involved in being a medicine woman and a shaman. Extra music is provided for this series by Douglas Blue Feather an award winning songwriter, recording artist and performer of contemporary Native American Flute Music.

Earth Thunder grew up in the wilds of Idaho until she was ten years old. She lived with her grandparents and an extended family of 40 migrating from 8,500 ft. in the mountains during the summer to living in caves in the winter. During this first of a 3-part interview Earth Thunder describes her childhood and share much of her wisdom as a medicine woman and Shaman. Extra music is provided for this series by Douglas Blue Feather an award winning songwriter, recording artist and performer of contemporary Native American Flute Music.

Episode 54 - Patricia Nell Warren discusses her historical novel, "One Is The Sun" which is about a Native American Medicine Woman who lived 150 years ago in the Deer Lodge Valley in Southwestern Montana where Patricia was raised. Patricia also discusses Earth Thunder a current day lesbian, Cherokee Medicine Woman and Shaman who contacted Patricia after "One Is The Sun" was published. Earth Thunder will share her amazing story and view of the world during the next 3 podcasts.

This episode features my commentary on the 2008 election celebrating the joy of Barack Obama being elected as the next president of the U.S. and the Democrats expanding their majority in both house of Congress. I also comments on the passage of anti-gay constitutional amendments along with our attendance at the Dallas Protest as part of The nationwide protest against Proposition 8's passage and the LGBT fight for same-sex marriage that was held on November 15th in 300 cities and all 50 states in the U.S.

Wayne Besen discuses his latest work with Truth Wins Out in protesting Ex-Gay therapy including a recent trip to Alaska and protesting James Dobson's induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. "Ex-Gay" therapy survivor, Brian Nesbitt discusses what lead him into "Ex-Gay" therapy, what was involved with the therapy, the failure of the therapy and his life since stopping therapy, becoming a proud out gay man and protesting the work of Exodous, NARTH and other "Ex-Gay" organizations.

Bob Witeck continues his discussion on Witeck-Combs Communications use of market research on the LGBT community, how he advises major corporations to market to the LGBT market segment and the services his company provides. This is part 2 of a 2-part interview.

Bob Discusses founding Witeck-Combs Communications, the role of public relations, their work with American Airlines along with the work with Harris Interactive and the importance of market research on the LGBT market segment along to provide the research.

Serge Gojkovich just launched GayGadget.com a website on August 1st focusing on tech for gay guys. Serge also discusses LGBT travel as his company,Gay Consultants, Inc., handles LGBT marketing for Visit London and Visit Britain.

Travis Knoll, 17-year old son of Tom Knoll discusses the books he reads and his interpretation of the authors, history, politics and religion. To discusses the responsibilities of being a parent. I deliver a commentary called "Verbal Gold."

Tom Knoll, a gay dad, adopted his son Travis at the age of 6 years. They discuss Tom's growing up, adoption of Travis, their adjustment to each other, Travis's talented and gifted skills as veracious reader and musician.

David Spark, San Francisco based tech journalist and new media consultant reports on the tech industry on TV and radio, in print and online. David, a leading expert on new media, discuses the latest Internet, social networking and Presence Awareness trends

Rick Shenkman, Historian and "New York Times" best-selling author, discusses his new book and talks about the ignorance most Americans have about politics and how their government works. He also describes the History Network News website that he founded and edited along with his website howstupidblog.com. My commentary during this episode is called, "The Dumbing Down of America."

H. Alexander Robinson discusses the challenges face by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African Americans including the role of the church, living the "Down Low" and the impact of AIDS. He also shares the work undertaken by the National Black Justice Coalition.

Arsham discusses what it is like being gay in Iran where homosexuality is punishable by death. Arsham, age 27 has been an activist since he was 21. He was forced to flee Iran in 2005 when the police were looking for him. He fled to Turkey and was given asylum in Canada. Now living in Toronto, Arsham has dedicated his life to making life better for LGBT people living in Iran and helping refugees outside of Iran gain asylum.

Robin Tyler discusses the outcome of the same-sex marriage case that was won in the California Supreme Court. Robin then walks us through the her and Diane Olson obtaining their marriage license at the Beverly Hills Courthouse and their wedding on June 16th 2008. (Part 2 of 2)

Robin Tyler discusses discusses the current state of politics in the US and where LGBT rights fit in, the importance of grassroots activism as critical in the fight for LGBT rights, her activism in the LGBT community. Robin then walks us through the Tyler et al lawsuit and why she filed it along with the legal proceedings at the California Supreme Court in March of this year.(Part 2 of 2)